Tokarev’s one fight away from the title one

By Alexey Sukachev, August, 31, 2006

Vadim Tokarev (22-0-1, 15 KOs) of Kazan’, Russia, seems to be closer than ever to so desirable fight for one of major titles in cruiserweight division. Current NABF titleholder is said to be taking part in IBF eliminator on November, the 18th, in Warszawa, Poland, on the undercard of scheduled fight for a vacant IBF cruiserweight belt between #1 contender Steve Cunningham of USA and Poland native Krzystof  Wlodarczik, ranked #4 by IBF. Tokarev’s opponent is still to be named, though David Haye and Jean-Marc Mormeck are among possibilities, despite an official announcement yet to be released.

Tokarev, 34, is ranked 9th by IBF and possesses good positions among other sanctioning bodies: #7 by WBC, #10 by WBA and #12 by WBO. Vadim has no amateur background opposite to the vast majority of former SU boxers. However, he is former kickboxing and muay-thai world star (1999 and 2000 Russian kickboxing champion, 1999 world kickboxing champion and 2000 undisputed Russian muay-thai champion) and extremely popular in his hometown. During his pro career, having started December, 2000, he scored wins over such notables as former world champion Arthur Williams, Michael Simms, Darnell Wilson and Muslim Biarslanov. In his last outing making his American debut Tokarev brilliantly kayoed skilled and tough Felix Cora over four brutal rounds with the last being a frontrunner for the Round of the Year award.

Source: Allboxing.ru; Photo: Allboxing / Sumio Yamada

Russian 115 lbs contender Dmitry Kirillov (28-3, 9 KOs) is still seeking an opponent for his future IBF eliminator, scheduled to take place this autumn. Dmitry was controversially defeated by current Nicaraguan titleholder Luis Perez this May and demanded immediate return bout without any success.

Once Russian boxer, now ranked 4th by IBF with the first two positions being vacant, was said to square off against #3, former WBO titlist Masibulele Makepula of SA, but South African decided to take on much more honored Jorge Arce instead for a WBC International belt. Kirillov was then said to face off ranked next to him Z Gorres (#5), Malcolm Tunacao (#7) of Philippines or Makepula’s compatriot Vusi Malinga (#6). The latter is the greater possibility as both sides are close for signing a deal under the inspection of IBF. Los Angeles, CA, and the 7th of November seem to be the most possible venue and date of the fight.

Vusi Malinga (15-2, 8 KOs) is a former South African and WBC International bantamweight beltholder. He vacated his national belt in 2004 in order to get an international exposure. In his last outing this March Malinga easily outscored Estonian Andrey Kostin over 12 rounds of action.